Inside Hardin’s house, detectives from both the Casa Grande Police Department and the PCSO found property related to as many as 25 residential burglaries in Pinal County.

During one of the burglaries, the ashes of the victim’s late husband were stolen. According to investigators, the box containing the ashes was found in Hardin’s home.

“Jake Hardin is a serial burglar who was caught thanks to cooperative efforts of Pinal County law enforcement agencies working together,” said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. “Now that Hardin is behind bars and the criminal charges are stacking up against him, victims will be able to work with law enforcement agencies to get their stolen property back.”

Authorities continue to work to process the property collected and return it to the victims.